ICPC Seeks Stronger CSO Partnership to Tackle Corruption
By Chizoba Njaka
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called for stronger collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs) and greater citizen participation in the fight against corruption.
The appeal was made on June 30 at the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) Summit on Members' Hybrid Engagement held at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Commission, Sir Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said the fight against corruption cannot be won by government and anti-corruption agencies alone.
He stressed that lasting success requires the active involvement of citizens, CSOs, the private sector, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, academia, the media and development partners.
Dr. Aliyu described the NACC as one of the commission's key platforms for collective action, noting that it has played a significant role in public sensitisation, advocacy, policy engagement, community mobilisation and the promotion of transparency and accountability since its establishment.
He said emerging challenges such as technological advancements, illicit financial flows and procurement irregularities require more innovative and coordinated responses. He therefore endorsed the Coalition's adoption of hybrid engagement, noting that it would improve communication, expand participation, facilitate knowledge sharing and strengthen nationwide anti-corruption efforts.
The ICPC Chairman urged Coalition members to use the summit to review achievements, address existing gaps and develop strategies for improved citizen mobilisation, youth engagement and grassroots participation. He also charged them to continue serving as a bridge between government institutions and citizens through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment.
Earlier, the Head of the Civil Society Mobilisation Unit, Suleiman Godwin Achile, said the NACC was established by the ICPC in 2006 as an umbrella platform for civil society organisations committed to anti-corruption advocacy.
He disclosed that the Coalition now comprises over 400 registered organisations working with the Commission to promote transparency, accountability and integrity.
The summit attracted representatives of civil society organisations, government officials, development partners and the media, both physically and virtually. It was convened to reposition and strengthen the Coalition, familiarise new members with its Memorandum of Understanding, update participants on ICPC initiatives and clarify their roles in advancing citizen-led anti-corruption efforts.